TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, initiates Worldcoin's retina scan, which has attracted public attention in Indonesia. Tools For Humanity (TFH), the developer of Worldcoin, provides each respondent with digital tokens that can be converted into Indonesian rupiah after their retinas are scanned.
Based on reports, the tokens are valued at hundreds of thousands of Rupiah, with some respondents claiming to have received rewards in the millions.
For instance, Udin, a motorcycle taxi driver, stated that he received Rp175,000 after having his retinas scanned at the Worldcoin application registration office in the Grand Boulevard area, Tarumajaya, Bekasi Regency. He was interviewed when trying to claim money for the second time.
Why are the token values different? Here is TFH's response.
TFH Discusses Rewards and Retina Data
TFH stated that the token distribution is not a compensation for identity verification in World ID. Worldcoin's main feature is combining digital identity systems with cryptocurrency. According to TFH, token claims are optional.
"And this token serves as an incentive for users to explore and utilize the World network, which provides various beneficial services," the company stated through its spokesperson to Tempo on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
According to TFH, Worldcoin tokens can access various services, including mini-apps developed by third parties or developers within the World ecosystem. The tokens are also designed to encourage further exploration of the available services within the network.
Furthermore, TFH also emphasized that their technology does not store users' personal or biometric data. "Our technology is designed to verify individual uniqueness in the AI era, without storing any personal or biometric information whatsoever."
On the official website, World ID guarantees that user information is not bought or sold, and that it is private, anonymous, and completely free. The platform is open source and has undergone an audit process, prioritizing education and consent in every process.
Prior to this, the Communication and Digital Ministry froze Worldcoin and WorldID services starting Sunday, May 4, 2025. The Ministry acted following reports of queues of residents in Bekasi and Depok who wanted to register and undergo retina scans at Worldcoin's office.
Several experts in data science, law, and information technology have revealed the dangers behind Worldcoin's retina scan. These range from the significance of biometric data that should not be shared, risks of personal data leaks and digital fraud, to forms of data colonialism.
Editor's Choice: Academic Warns of 'Data Colonialism' Risk Behind Worldcoin's Retina Scans
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